Topamax and Hair Loss: What Users Say

• Par...
• January 16, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "On Topamax, and 6 years ago I had what I thought was a seizure and spots in my right eye. The spots NEVER went away. Other symptoms of this horrible drug - ITCHING, SEIZURES, HAIR LOSS, EXTREME HOT FLASHES, EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS. My doctor never, ever cared about any of it. I quit this awful drug in October 2016. Had a minor stroke shortly after. Do not take this drug if you want to stay healthy and keep your eyesight. I filed a complaint with the FDA, and of course, they didn’t care either. This drug is a result of greedy drug companies and the FDA being lobbied to allow such a destructive drug. Doctors don’t care either. They all just keep making their money while patients end up with permanent damage that CANNOT be fixed."

• Jen...
• May 30, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was on 25 mg to start and ended up taking 100. I lost weight. But the price I paid in side effects was not worth it. I lost so much hair that when I try to braid it, it's like braiding tiny strands of dental floss. It looks so ridiculous, long I had to chop it all off just to conceal how grossly thin it is. People call it Dopamax for a reason. It made my memory Swiss cheese, and when I had to process information, it felt like fighting through seaweed. The worst side effect was the depression. This stuff makes me downright suicidal. It helped me lose about 80 pounds by starvation. I never wanted to eat. I became anemic. If you've never had that before, you'll find simple physical tasks to feel like they're inciting heart attacks."

• NAS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was very excited when I started taking this medication. And then... I had read the side effects, and I was like, oh, this is crazy. I will say I was on no other medication. I have never had hair loss like this. It was gobs of hair in my shower. The previous posters that refer to brain fog - yep, that too."

• Pen...
• May 16, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed bipolar 2 about 3 years ago. I am a 36-year-old female. I was originally given Topamax 50mg at night with Seroquel 50mg, as well as a variety of antidepressants and Klonopin for anxiety. That worked great for a while until it didn't, and I weaned myself off everything. DON'T DO THAT!! I had a horrible hypomanic episode followed by a 4-month depressive crash. I'm now on Latuda, Celexa, Klonopin, and my good buddy Topamax. I have had no serious side effects from Topamax. A little hair loss (more like extra hair in the brush) but it's only noticeable to me. Not bad. No word loss, no memory problems. I'm in grad school with a near 4.0 GPA. It helps me maintain my weight so the other meds don't affect me."

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 23, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar depression about a year ago. I have been on Topamax for that as well as migraine headaches for 8 to 9 months now. The migraines went away, and I have lost about 40 pounds since taking Topamax! The only downfall is hair loss. I highly warn anybody taking this drug not to miss a dose or try weaning yourself off, because I have done both and ended up with very bad mood swings and will be crying on the floor one minute, then raging and angry, then it will be as if nothing happened."

• Kri...
• November 21, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "Been on this for just a week now at 25 mg, also on 50 mg of amitriptyline at night. The first few days I felt really spaced out, but sort of kept coming in waves through the day. I also suffer from M.E. as well, but have found the past few days I have had lots of energy. I don't feel tired at all. Supposed to up dose to 50 mg on the second week, but I'm thinking may stick to the 25 for a little while to see how things go. No migraines up to now. Reading all the reviews, most of the side effects seem to come when the dose is increased. Really worried about the hair loss business, don't think I could deal with that one. Think I'm going to give this a go for a few months and see how things go, it's all trial and error, or kill or cure."

• mnp...
• November 12, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I took 50 mg Topamax daily for migraines. Six months into it, I started noticing increasing hair loss and looked for answers, including having both hormones and thyroid checked. I reread the included drug information several times and found nothing about hair loss. At the point I had lost half my hair, I finally Googled Topamax hair loss and found it is a side effect of Topamax. Also during this time, I had extensive testing trying to find out why I was having increased period pain, and both my doctor and I missed that this is listed as a side effect. I stopped the medication six weeks ago because of the hair loss, but also putting on hold additional procedures considered for dealing with the menstrual pain as there is a good probability this was also caused by the Topamax. Two stars that I give the drug are only because of the 'bonus' side effect of the weight loss, which was the only hesitation that I had about stopping taking it, and the nominal reduction in the number of migraines I was experiencing."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed Topiramate 25 mg twice a day and Phentermine 37.5 mg as this is FDA-approved as an off-label drug. However, the first day I took it, I couldn't sleep all night and was so restless the entire night. My doctor said to take just the morning dose only. I took it for 7 days and noticed blurry vision in both eyes, headaches, bad eye pain, high pressure, alopecia-terrible hair loss. I called the doctor's office, and they told me to go to Immediate Care Center and evaluated me. They did a thorough eye checkup, put dye in my eye, and reduced eye pressure. I was told to discontinue this medication, Topiramate, as it does mess with the eye anatomy. I was also asked to go visit my optometrist for a thorough eye check, to which he too said to not take this drug. To lose weight and have these vision and other related side effects is totally not worth it. The more I read about this drug, I was finding out that people gain all the weight back that they lost and have these side effects as well."

• Bet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "This drug is awful. I took 50 mg per day for migraine prevention, and it caused significant hair loss. I already have thin hair, and this drug made it worse. My hair was coming out in clumps in the shower. This drug should be illegal. Do not take it if you want to keep your hair!!"

• Jua...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 11, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "This drug isn't for everyone. The side effects are completely crazy. I have been on it for almost 12 months now. It has provided relief from migraines by almost 95% of the time. This has been a big deal for me. Side effects I've experienced: hands and feet tingle periodically (some days are worse than others), hair loss started 3 months after taking it but began to cease 6 months later, definite brain fog (some days I feel like I'm losing my mind), grogginess (I can only take my dose at night, otherwise, I'm a zombie during the day), changes in vision, loss of appetite, fatigue, irritability. At first, I convinced myself the side effects were worth tolerating compared to having a migraine. But as time goes on, I'm beginning to think I'm wrong."

• ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I am bipolar I and went on Topamax as an alternative to the awful weight-gaining meds I have been subjected to in the past. My anxiety went through the roof! I was crying constantly, my heart was pounding, and I became fearful to leave the house. I love the 10 lb weight loss, but not worth the anxiety and hair loss... sad I wanted it to work."

• You...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 9, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I took this medication starting in August. I stopped because my hair was falling out. I'm 20 years old and I've lost most of my hair now. I had to go get it cut to my shoulders in hopes it would look better, but it doesn't. I began taking Topamax to help with my migraines, and I dropped a lot of weight. I lost 20 lbs over the course of 8 months. I now weigh 136 lbs and sort of want to continue because I love the fact that I'm losing all this weight, but I know it's bad for me as I am now getting addicted. I've been off the medication for about 2 months, and my migraines are returning. I don't want to continue taking it because of my hair loss, but I am not sure what to do. I tried taking medicine for hair, skin, and nails to help, but it didn't work."

• cin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2021

For Fibromyalgia "I went on Topamax 9 months ago. At first, it seemed to work. Then, 2 months later, in the beginning of summer, I realized I stopped sweating. Then the hair loss started. I became extremely constipated, muscles were sore, feet and hands felt like needles. Towards the end, my muscles became weak and a lot of nausea. I still had migraines on a regular basis. My body hurt so much. After 9 months, I had severe diarrhea and vomiting. After being off the pill about 2 weeks later, my body started feeling better. Doctor says it is the only pill I have left to use. I would rather have the migraines than how awful this pill made me feel."

• LOV...
• March 3, 2008

For Migraine Prevention "I love Topamax! I can finally sit through school without getting a migraine. It might make concentrating a little more difficult, but no harder than trying to concentrate with a migraine! The only side effect I can complain about is the tingling in my hands and feet, but that usually only lasts about 15 min. I haven't experienced any hair loss (thank God), and I also can't complain about the appetite loss."

• jes...
• November 15, 2007

For Migraine Prevention "Topamax has been a lifesaver for me! I am living alone without fear for the first time in my life. I can go outside during the day and not feel like crying from the pain of 24/7 migraines. I can drive without fear of not being able to get myself home. The side effects I have had are weight loss (I needed it anyway), some memory issues (I write things down more), and last, the big one: I have lost almost all my hair. It’s very traumatic, but after years of pain and fear, I am free to live my life, and if I have to live it in a wig, so be it!"

• Ser...
• February 2, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "I was in a car accident with a head injury. I had intractable migraine and other headaches that came and went daily on top of that, and three months after the accident, my neurologist offered Topamax. It's been 9 months. I lost a lot of hair; I have the soda is flat thing; the pins and needles; and I have lost weight. I think the brain fog was not noticeable because of the brain injury. It took care of my headaches immediately. I didn't mind the side effects. I ran out of it once, and on day two, had a seizure. I tried to titrate off recently, and the migraine returned with a vengeance, so I am still going to be taking it. I don't mind the side effects in comparison to the headache. Also, I use hypnosis for some of the side effects."

• eob...
• November 17, 2007

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking Topamax for about 10 months now for migraine prevention. I have had several undesirable side effects, including irregular heartbeat, shallow breathing, tingling extremities, memory loss, and even hair loss. It helped only during the first few months, but now I get just as many migraines as before."

• Dmp...
• January 2, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "Have taken 10 mg Topamax for 4 months. I thought I had found a preventative, but after 3 months my hair was shedding more than usual. Thought I was stressed out and overwhelmed with small kiddos and hubby deployed. My dermatologist didn't see anything very serious, like alopecia, so I continued. I began taking biotin and vitamins, but hair still kept coming out and my scalp was starting to show more. I stopped completely and only lasted 4 days before a migraine wanted to come on. Luckily, I took a rizatriptan in time to fight it off. Topamax worked beside the side effects of hair loss, forgetfulness, and some leg cramps. Has anyone had any luck with another migraine preventative?"

• sha...
• July 12, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I took this medicine because I was having severe headaches every day and tried everything. My doctor put me on Topamax, it will take your headaches away and remove the weight. I never felt bad, but I had a hard time remembering simple things, such as coworkers' names and what measuring cup to use for wet and dry items. I could never remember the words I needed to carry on a conversation. I stopped taking this medication because I could not function at my place of employment, not to mention the short-term memory loss and losing my hair was crazy. I truly think that so many people get caught up with being able to stay so thin that they keep taking it. I took 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night. Not worth it."

• Pin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I've been on Topamax for going on 3 1/2 months now and met with my doctor twice, telling her I absolutely could not be on this medication because I could not perform my job duties at work. I had a very difficult time comprehending very basic stuff. I was put on it for my headaches I've dealt with for nearly 2 decades. My doctor took me off my medication I've been on for 18 years suddenly, which has worked for my headaches, and switched me to Topamax. I decided to push through because I was no longer getting my medication that worked for me, and I kept being told that the brain fog would get better, which it has the past 2 weeks. New problem is my hair is falling out in clumps. Every day literal clumps of hair fall out in the shower."

• Anonymous
• July 6, 2010

For Migraine Prevention "I suffered from chronic migraines misdiagnosed as tension headaches for 10 years before being sent to a neurologist who started me on topiramate right away. It was very hard at first to get over the fatigue, but the immediate improvement in my headaches was a life-changing experience. The weight loss was an added benefit. My hair has thinned a bit, the taste changes are mild, as are the tingling in my hands and feet (a few seconds here and there like they fall asleep-except it's in the middle of the palm or the sole). The chronic migraines (4-6 days a week) are now down to about 3 days a month, and the fatigue is no longer bothersome."

• ge3...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 8, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "When I first started Topamax, I couldn't notice the side effects except for the tingling in my hands, feet, and face. I thought it would go away with time, but here I am, 2 years later, and it is still happening. This medication also prevented my migraines at first, then I had to be put in the hospital for 5 days to get treatment about 6 months ago, and now they are back again. If you miss even one dose, you get a whole new set of side effects as if you started the medicine that day! Before I took this medicine, my hair was so thick, and I never really noticed the hair loss side effect until now because my hair is falling out in chunks. Topamax also caused me to get kidney stones and be hospitalized for a month. The only good thing is I lost 50 lbs."

• Anonymous
• December 9, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I gave this medicine a 7 out of 10 because I believe overall it is the best medication I’ve been on in regards to suppressing appetite and weight loss. But the side effect profile is rough. I started taking it because I could not stop gaining weight and eating because of my antipsychotic medication. I have a very high appetite. I started taking Topamax to help, and it worked very well. I lost 35 pounds while on it. I didn’t have the desire to eat, but I also struggled with some side effects. I had pretty significant hair loss from the medication, I struggled with menstrual bleeding for the whole time when I was on Topamax for a whole year. I got migraines every single day. It made my depression worse. My body really struggled with this medication. I got off the medication. I have gained every single pound back. I’m going to try to get on the extended-release version and on a lower dose and see if it helps with side effects."

• jus...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 23, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Topamax for a little over 6 years. I started at 25 mg and slowly went up to 250 mg. I experienced the weight loss, tingling, and the other minimal side effects at the lower dose but was encouraged to stay on the meds. As I increased the dose, I started having hair loss, dizziness, and 'white outs' where I would not be able to see at all for up to 20-30 seconds at a time. I also started having the memory issues. I started seeing a new neuro and we dropped me down to 100 mg. The hair loss stopped, but I still get the vertigo. I am now down to 50 mg. I suffer from eye pain in my left eye and still the random dizziness-which is horrible. Weaning off of this, I do Botox injections now for preventative with some relief."

• Lrd...
• September 2, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "This is my first time taking them. I already feel the tingling in my face, hands, and feet. This is a scary feeling, and just by reading the reviews, I'm already thinking of not continuing this medication. I'm all for weight loss, but hair loss and memory loss, OMG, that's too much. I just want to feel better. I've been battling migraine headaches since middle school, and now I'm 33. Something has to give."